Leaning into Energy Transformation

By Rich Barone, VP of Advanced Energy TransformationTRC


Rapid energy transformation is the new norm. From in front of the meter to behind the meter and operations centers, no part of our energy system is unchanged. Grid assets have evolved from traditional grid infrastructure and early demand response solutions ten years ago to complex, agile, and both small-scale and large-scale distributed energy systems today.

This transition is happening rapidly, with meaningful impacts on both utilities and customers alike. So how do we navigate through the rocky terrain? As we are experiencing with COVID-19, transformation can take the form of reactivity and struggle. Difficult, unforeseen challenges become a catalyst for growth. Or alternatively, we can anticipate where our needs are going to be, rather than where we are today, and make plans and implement solutions with that future in mind.

A Forward-Solving Mindset.  A forward-looking, forward-solving mindset is critical to strategically morph our energy paradigm. Prior to recently joining TRC, I had a front-row seat to the challenges and opportunities of energy transformation at Hawaiian Electric Companies (HECO). The business-as-usual model is no longer working for utilities and I participated in HECO’s efforts to evolve their approach, leading a team of ‘intrapreneurs’ who embraced the challenge of rethinking our systems and implementing new technology and business innovations.

Just as the grid is becoming more flexible, so too must our business and operations frameworks embody agility and resilience. Utilities and energy providers are embracing distributed energy as an orchestration partner in these complex systems. They are developing interesting solutions for customer asset integration, non-wires alternatives, new market creation, and long-term operational strategies and business models.

I am pleased to join TRC because its integrated advanced energy and digital services are critical to helping energy providers bring their transformation visions to life; and with the continued COVID-19 as well as a multitude of grid and decarbonization needs, many energy providers are accelerating their transformation goals to realize reliable, flexible, and clean power today.

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